4G On The Moon: Nokia Equips Spacesuits Of Artemis 3 Astronauts With Internet 

During the Artemis 3 lunar mission, which is planned for 2026, astronauts will be able to maintain high-quality communication with the Earth using the 4G network. Nokia has created a lunar 4G cellular communication network, which will undergo its first test this year.

Axiom Space Teams Up With Nokia

In cooperation with Nokia, NASA’s contractor Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed 4G/LTE communication technology into the spacesuits. Most mobile operators on Earth use the same cellular communication technology today. The unique 4G-equipped spacesuits were designed to transmit HD video, telemetry data, and voice communication.

The planned lunar 4G network, developed by Nokia Bell Labs, is known as the Lunar Surface Communications System (LSCS). It is designed to withstand extreme lunar conditions, ensuring reliable communication. LSCS will undergo its first test later this year, when Intuitive Machines’ robotic IM-2 mission lands near the lunar south pole. IM-2’s lander will carry the base station, while two of IM-2’s payloads — the Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform (MAPP) rover and the Micro-Nova drone — will carry 4G receivers. This test will check the feasibility of using mobile connections for future Moon and Mars missions.

Russell Ralston, Axiom Space executive vice president of extravehicular activity, said: “Adding high-speed 4G/LTE network capability on the Moon will serve as a vital bridge linking astronauts to Earth, facilitating crucial data exchange, and enabling high-definition video communication over long distances.”

Moon-based Mobile Tower

On Earth, a mobile network consists of a grid of towers equipped with a radio array. Naturally, constructing a mobile tower on the Moon is both resource-intensive and time-consuming, so Nokia’s designers compressed all the necessary equipment into a compact unit that could fit onto a lunar lander.

Meanwhile, representatives of Axiom Space, who were involved in the development of the spacesuit, explained that they actually integrated and adapted the key components of an ordinary smartphone to function in the harsh conditions of space.

Upon landing on the lunar surface, astronauts can venture up to 2 kilometres away from the lander while maintaining live video communication. 

NASA awarded Axiom Space with $57.5 million to develop this 4G/LTE network adaptation for the Artemis III mission spacesuit.

The Next-Generation Spacesuit With 4G Network

The spacesuits that will be modified for the Artemis 3 mission is the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit. According to the Axiom Space summary, AxEMU will provide astronauts advanced capabilities for space exploration.

The advanced spacesuits ensure astronauts are equipped with high-performing, robust equipment to accommodate a wide range of crew members. AxEMU incorporates new technology that delivers enhanced safety, reliability, and mobility. Combining all these features with a high-speed internet connection makes it a really next-generation spacesuit.

Overall, the collaboration between Axiom Space and Nokia in developing these innovative 4G-equipped spacesuits for the Artemis 3 mission promises to be a significant breakthrough in Moon exploration.